Marrakech to Paris

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Marrakech

Arrive in Marrakech, the Red City, where you will be warmly greeted by your ACIS Tour Manager and transferred to your hotel. If the timing of your arrival flight permits, embark on a brief orientation sightseeing tour of this cosmopolitan destination, a vibrant blend of the ancient charm found in its medina, historic souks, and modern influences in areas like Guéliz.

Day 3: Marrakech

Unlock the secrets of Marrakech during today's sightseeing. Highlights include the perpetually bustling Jemaa El Fna square, seeing Koutoubia Mosque’s skyline-dominating 282-foot minaret, and soaking in the atmosphere of the 12th century Kasbah’s food market, bakeries and narrow alleyways. A fun and collaborative Culture Quest treasure hunt introduces you to the medina's historic fondouks and their local artisans as you follow clues and solve puzzles to complete each challenge with your team. You'll also visit the opulent 19th century Bahia Palace to marvel at the intricate craftsmanship decorating this splendid home, courtyard and gardens that were built by a powerful Vizir for his Harem. Following an afternoon to explore more at your own pace, you'll be delighted this evening by a special dinner featuring authentic local cuisine as performers entertain you with traditional Moroccan songs and dances.

Day 4: Marrakech

This morning visit with local students at a Marrakech-area school (if not available, another cultural visit will be substituted). You will have a chance to practice languages, share customs and learn about the similarities and differences between American and Moroccan school days. Then an excursion brings you into the scenic Ourika Valley for an enriching cultural exchange and home-cooked tagine lunch with members of an Amazigh (Berber) community. A guided walk through the village offers you a glimpse into the rhythm of this simple rural lifestyle before you're welcomed into a traditional Moroccan home where your host will share stories about the family’s heritage and the customs that shape daily life in the valley. During a shared lunch together, you'll savor authentic Moroccan cuisine using fresh local ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. Then return to Marrakech.

Day 5: Agafay

Embark on a magical journey today with a scenic drive to the rocky dunes of the Agafay Desert. Meet some members of the local Amazigh (Berber) community as they guide you on a sunset camel ride through the unique terrain of this captivating landscape. As evening falls, indulge in a memorable lantern-lit dining experience under the shelter of the nomadic community camp, savoring delicious Moroccan cuisine. Then enjoy stargazing in Agafay under a clear, unpolluted sky, before a special overnight stay in comfortable desert tents.

Day 6: Paris

Wake up to beautiful desert surroundings, pack up and transfer to the airport in Marrakech for your flight to Paris. Upon arrival an orientation tour led by your ACIS Tour Manager will introduce you to the City of Light, one of the world’s great cultural centers, which brims with museums, art galleries and historic sights alongside an endless array of charming curbside cafés and boulangeries.

Day 7: Paris

Today’s guided sightseeing tour takes you past some of the most famous attractions in Paris. Your expert local guide will show you the magnificent Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, Napoleon's final resting place at Les Invalides and the Gothic wonder of Notre Dame. Also, at some point during your stay in Paris, you’ll visit the Louvre at a time scheduled to best maximize your experience. From its beginnings as a royal fortress to its current status as the world's most visited art museum, the Louvre has long been at the center of Parisian culture and it is home to a collection of 35,000 works of art from around the world. A timed entrance will let you breeze by the crowds, and insightful commentary from your local guide will highlight the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo and more as you wander through the galleries. Tonight, perhaps take a walk around Montmartre. This cultural and artistic district is worth the visit for the bustling energy of the artists and hipsters as well as the stunning views of the City of Light.

Day 8: Paris

Start the day with a local expert teaching you how to play the traditional pastime of pétanque, an entertaining game of skill played with hollow metal balls. Then the afternoon is yours to discover more of Paris at your own pace. Later you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city from two of the most iconic perspectives—from a boat cruise as you glide along the Seine, and from the top floor of the Eiffel Tower.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.